CHICAGO -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced a safe workplace partnership during a multi-phase expansion at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

OSHA's area office in Calumet City, Ill., signed an agreement with representatives from Rush University Medical Center, the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program and key contractors in the form of a safety and health partnership for Phase One and Phase Two of the medical center expansion, which includes a new fourteen story hospital tower, parking garage, and medical office. The partnership is in effect through the completion of these phases, anticipated to run through 2012.

"With Rush University Medical Center serving as the general contractor, we view this as a unique opportunity to form a partnership that will involve active interaction with subcontractors. Together, we will continue promoting safety and health in the construction industry," said OSHA Area Director Gary Anderson, Calumet City.

Under the terms of this partnership, the participants will track injuries and illnesses for the project, and jointly conduct a monthly audit of the facility. The partnership also requires written safety programs, training and unannounced verification inspections by OSHA to assure safety and health requirements are being met.

OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative relationships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and employees. More than 1.4 million employees and nearly 28,000 employers across the United States have participated with OSHA in more than 580 strategic partnerships since the program began in 1998.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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